Operation Abhyaas: India Simulates Wartime Civil Defence Across 244 Districts Amidst Pakistan Tensions

New Delhi, May 7, 2025 – In an unprecedented move, the Government of India launched a massive national civil defence exercise codenamed Operation Abhyaas on May 7, 2025. The exercise, which spanned across 244 districts in 28 states and union territories, was organized in response to growing security concerns and geopolitical tensions following the escalation with Pakistan.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), and local state disaster units, coordinated the event to assess the preparedness of both civilian populations and emergency services for a hypothetical wartime situation.

🚨 Simulation Objectives and Scope

The primary objectives of Operation Abhyaas were:

• To assess India’s civilian readiness in case of air strikes, cyberattacks, or large-scale sabotage.
• To strengthen coordination between local, state, and national emergency agencies.
• To educate and train civilians in handling emergency drills like air raid alerts, evacuations, blackouts, and first aid.

Key components of the drill included:

• Simulated air raid sirens in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.
• Mock evacuations of government buildings, schools, and hospitals.
• Blackout drills simulating infrastructure attacks.
• Live demonstration of emergency protocols, including ambulance deployment, fire drills, and civil shelter arrangements.

🏙️ Participation by Major Cities

Delhi, as the national capital, played a critical role in the exercise. Public announcements, SMS alerts, and sirens were used to warn civilians. The Red Fort, Parliament complex, and Connaught Place were temporarily sealed during the mock drills.

In Mumbai, high-rise buildings in Bandra-Kurla Complex and South Mumbai participated in evacuation simulations. Hospitals such as AIIMS, Safdarjung (Delhi), and Breach Candy (Mumbai) tested their emergency medical protocols and disaster beds.

Even tier-2 and tier-3 cities such as Ranchi, Guwahati, Bhopal, and Jaipur were integrated to ensure nationwide preparedness.

🧑‍✈️ Government Statements

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the success of the drill, stating:

“India must be ready at all times—not just our armed forces but every citizen. Operation Abhyaas is a vital part of that vision.”

Defence experts and retired army personnel have lauded the exercise, calling it a “timely reminder” that modern warfare also demands civilian adaptability.

🌐 Global Response & Analysis

International observers, including defense attaches from the U.S., UK, and Japan, were invited to observe the drill. The global defense community acknowledged India’s growing civil-military synchronization as a model for developing nations facing cross-border threats.

Think tanks like the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and Carnegie India published early assessments stating that the exercise significantly improved India’s “total defense posture.”

⚖️ Civil Liberties Concerns

However, some human rights groups expressed concern about the lack of public awareness and the use of force-like simulations in some regions. In Kolkata, a mock bomb explosion caused panic among unprepared civilians. Critics called for more transparent communication and psychological readiness before future drills.